How to help the environment

Currently there is much debate as to whether this wondeful earth of ours, is suffering from climate change or is simply moving through one of its many weather patterns. Either way, there is no doubtling that things are changing.

Be it Global Warming, The Greenhouse Effect or what you will, the world seems to be experiencing more natural disasters than ever before, and many extremes of weather.

Mankind's evolution has been amazing in so many ways but it has taken its toll, on the world. For every innovative, invention there has been some changes, which have depleted the earth's natural resources.

Deforestation alone has impacted around the world. Too many wars with modern sophisticated weapons. Experiments over the years with atom bomb testing. Mankind's increase need for energy and world travel has created more pollution. Cheap goods bought from countries, that are new economic wonders, has added to the problems.

Some may say that, it is already too late for Mother Earth, but not me.

Just as an older person may extend their life through tender loving care, the earth should benefit from a more environementally friendly approach. As with the example of an older person, it is all about quality of life.

Who wants the earth to survive but in an inhospitable state?

Things You Will Need

A will to succeed.

To assess your lifestyle

To adapt and be resourseful.

A change of lifestyle.

Wise shopping.

A little thought

To think outside the box.

To consider the wider implications.

Step 1

Helping others

With the Haitian eartquake still an ongoing disaster, perhaps it is fitting to consider helping others first.

It is no good being enviromentally friendly, if other countries are doing the excat opposite. What happens in one country will often impact around the world. Of course if you live in abject poverty you will have no resources to squander. However, your country may be suffering due to antics across the world.

We should all try and help others less fortunate than ourselves.

Usually this will mean giving what money we can afford. However, it may also be by sensible shopping. This means ensuring that we do not buy goods that have not been ethically sourced.

As the world suffers more natural disasters, and extremes of weather, aid will be needed as an ongoing project. Give generously, when you can, because who knows when the boot could be on the other foot?

Step 2

Repair, recycle and re-use

Recycling is often easier these days. However, there are many people who can either not be bothered or think that it does not concern them. Trust me, if you live on this planet it does concern you.

Recycle what you can, and when you cannot, try other means.

Donate goods to your local charity shop, sell them on Ebay or locally, repair or alter what you can.

For example, jeans can soon be made into denim shorts. A dress may soon become a skirt. Long sleeved shirts can be made sleeveless. Old bedding can be used for a pet's basket or donated to a local animal rescue centre. Newspapers are often needed and gladly received at veterinary surgeries.

Step 3

Wise shopping

I am as guilty as the next person of buying on a whim. Most of us do at times. There is nothing wrong with the occasioanl treat for you and yours.

However, many snap purchases end up a waste of money and resources.

It is better to plan your shopping well. Avoid snap purchases, especially from sales. If you buy really cheap goods, they may not last long, and ultimately work out more expensive. They may also have been produced by underpaid, foreign workers.

Research

Research which manufaturers and retailers are following ethical sourcing. Start to be selective in your shopping. If you bypass shops and services that damage the environment these suppliers will soon get the message.

Most things have a price. If you are getting really cheap products, then somewhere along the line, someone else could be paying, maybe in blood, sweat and tears.

Replacing goods

When your white goods finally give up the ghost make sure that you replace them with the best energy saving replacements available.

Step 4

Water, energy and power

Be less wasteful of the earth's resources, such as water. Fix dripping or leaking water taps sooner rather than later.

Get the whole family on board and begin a power saving drive in your home. A prize for the most resourceful ideas may help spur the kids on. If children are taught when they are young to protect the environment it will stay with them for life.

Simple ways to save energy and power are, to turn lights off in unoccupied rooms, turn thermostats down a little, wash the dishes by hand occasionally, never use a tumble drier, never put appliances into stand by modes and more.

Step 5

Compost

There are some items which you cannot recycle, but some of them do not have to be resigned to the trash can. Think about creating a compost heap or buy a proprietary compost bin. They do come in many shapes and sizes, if space is at a premium.

You will be able to compost items, such as, dead flowers, fruit and vegetable peelings, rotting fruit and vegetables, egg shells, used tea bags, cardboard rolls from toilet and kitchen rolls, card, shredded paper and newspapers.

Step 6

Travel

Foreign holidays are great fun but they take their toll on the environment. World leaders should lead by example and minimise their vehicle travel.

We can do our bit by using the car less. Not possible? Well take it from a 57 year old who has never had use of a car, it is. I do not feel that I have lost out and my life works perfectly well, thank-you.

Try cycling occasionally, walking or using public transport now and then. Of course it will depend upon where you live but it should be possible to make such changes occasionally.

The choice is yours

Remember that going green can sometimes save you money.

None of this is compulsory of course. Much will depend upon your opinion and your ethics.

However, I imagine that in the years to come it may become compulsory. Changes have already been made in many communities. People are being encouraged to leave the car at home now and then, and to recycle more.

If changes are implemented too late, they may have little impact. As I said at the beginning it may already be too late.

The earth has a limited shelf life anyway, I hear you say. However with TLC it may have an extended life. It is all about quality of life when all is said and done. Who wants to exist on a ravaged planet which is harsh and unfirendly? I certainly do not.

Comments

Well written, gee it is so hard, I try to recycle as much as possible but the recylers are often guilty of dumping all our hard work on the rubbish dump.
Whether it is too expensive to process,or they do not have enough facilities I am not sure, but it makes us wonder sometimes. What annoys me is the packaging of producers. you may have a 6 inch product packaged into a 12 inch box. That is waste of trees, cardboard, plastics and whatever else it is packaged in.

Reply to this Comment

That's triue eileen. Perhaps I should have included lobby retailers and the like. I guess we call all only do our bit. You or I should be OK but it is the next generation who may have a struggle on their hands